What is HF Radio?

CRMF uses 12 HF SSB frequencies to provide two-way radio communications to more than 900 Churches and Mission Stations across Papua New Guinea and on many of the surrounding islands. Our staff at Goroka Base monitors 24 hours a day for urgent radio calls for assistance of any kind. We are able to obtain:

• speedy medical advice
• contact the police for their assistance
• contact Civil Aviation
• or simply pass a message.

Our phone patch facility can put the remotest person in PNG in touch with anyone, anywhere in the world with a telephone.

Why is the radio network necessary?

Transportation:

Pilots contact Church workers to arrange aircraft loading, obtain airstrip and weather reports.

Captains of small ships contact coastal mission stations to give their position and to confirm loading and unloading arrangements.

The terrain and weather within Papua New Guinea makes it imperative that radio contact is maintained.

Doctor Consultation:

Several mission doctors are available to give first aid advice to nurses and church workers.

At the request of a doctor CRMF will co-ordinate a medical evacuation from a remote location to a hospital involving either a helicopter or fixed wing aircraft. This is usually a team effort involving the Health Department, Mission Aviation Fellowship and often several mission stations.

Annually we co-ordinate around 200 medical evacuations a year !

Administration:

Church workers use the radio to organise weekly plane programs, finalise annual field conference travel, order supplies, arrange the re-location of national pastors, order replacement parts for a vehicle, encourage a national pastor.

These are just a few examples of administration by radio.  In remote areas of PNG, the radio is used as we would use a telephone.

Radio, Electrical & Computer Servicing:

CRMF operates a well equipped radio & computer repair workshop. We are responsible for servicing a large percentage of church owned computers,  radios and electronic equipment.

The electrical department has a vital role in carrying out installations and repairs on mission stations.